The Blue Bulls handed the Vodacom Eagles a 37-27 defeat at Minolta Loftus on Saturday in a Vodacom Cup match that was played in wet and rainy conditions.

A Highveld thunderstorm just before kick-off added to the difficulty of this early season encounter, but the Bulls' handling and movement was impressive given the conditions.

Coached by former Springbok assistant Heyneke Meyer, the hosts were unsurprisingly dominant in the tight exchanges.

The pack drilled the Eagles into submission and from there victory was assured as the visitors failed to find an answer to the power of the home team.

While the result is far too early in the season to get carried away by, the Bulls would consider it a minor triumph given their dismal season in 2000, both on the field and off.

Scrumhalf Coenraad Groenewald scored two tries in the first quarter to help his side to a 14-0 lead and remind the Super 12 hierarchy that he could be an able understudy to Joost van der Westhuizen.

His second try was a piece of individual excellence as he broke from the base of a scrum just inside the Eagles half and slipped several tackles for a memorable try.

The Eagles could only muster a penalty in reply before the Bulls were on the scoresheet again as right wing Ryno Hendriks went in for a try after a solid build-up.

Two penalties from the home flyhalf Jacques Schutte opened the gap to 25-3 before the visitors managed to dot down in stoppage time at the end of the first half through flank Barry Jacobz.

The Eagles came to within striking distance early in the second half thanks to a try from wing Darryl Coeries and a penalty from Van As to narrow the score to 25-20.

The Bulls pulled away though with a try from hooker Danie Coetzee, stretching the lead to 12 points, which was extended further with a try for Schutte.

In the final minute Trevor Hall scored a consolation try for the visitors which was converted by Van As.

Scorers:

Bulls - Tries: Coenraad Groenewald (2), Ryno Hendriks, Danie Coetzee, Jacques Schutte; Conversions: Schutte (2), Hannes Venter; Penalties: Schutte (2).

Eagles - Tries: Barry Jacobz, Darryl Coeries, Trevor Hall; Conversions: Rynard van As (3); Penalties: Van As (2).